Purse with built in light

ABSTRACT

The invention is the application of a lighting source, EL or similar, built within the bottom or side of a purse (clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag) that when illuminated helps see the contents of the bag. This application would include the method of installing the wiring, power mechanism, and on/off switch mechanism (manual or magnetic on/off switch applications) within the interior for installation within a man&#39;s or woman&#39;s purse, clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. patent number 2009/019602 A1 issued to O'Neil uses a different light source and different attachment method.

U.S. patent number 2006/0227538 A1 is a lighting system comprised of 3-10 LED lights located on a vertical strip. Although having a similar on/off mechanism, the lighting source and internal design is dissimilar.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,915 issued to Verona, describes an illuminating device for an enclosed receptacle, such as a purse or handbag. This invention is attached by tape and is a different light mechanism. The construction of this type is inferior to the current invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,959 issued to Kurcz, describes a duel illumination source with automatic on/off switch. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a larger mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,568 issued to Blue-Recio discloses another light assembly for the interior of a purse. The light assembly consists of a mounting structure to secure the assembly to the inside of a bag. An illumination source which projects light to the interior of the bag, and an on/off switch the user must push to turn the purse light on. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a large mechanism.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,142 issued to Weir describes a purse light system. The purse light system is a purse with a built in light system, which includes a purse outer structure, a battery pack and a light assembly positioned to emit light into the purse chamber. The purse lighting system automatically on/off switches on when the purse opening is in the open position and off when the purse opening is in the closed position. Lighting a purse from the top down is not as effective as the present invention which emits ambient light from the bottom and side of the purse or handbag.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,724 issued to Tedham describes a light for the interior of a purse, having a glow stick mounted to the inside of a purse. This invention is more a safety patent for visibility but also mentions interior light. This is a different method of attachment and different light method.

Another purse lighting system, U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,605 by Rivera has a removable type lighting device which attaches to a purse. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a large mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,438 issued to King describes a light for the interior of a purse, having a light bulb, an electric power supply mounted within a translucent housing which is temporarily mounted on a mounting bracket which is permanently attached to the inside of a purse. This invention inhibits the complete use of the interior of the purse and is a large mechanism which requires mounting brackets to be permanently mounted on the interior of a purse.

There are other light mechanism, all cumbersome and large units to be mounted within the purse. Such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,689; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,790, U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,232, U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,162, U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,951, U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,689. U.S. patent number 2005/0092409 A1, U.S. patent number 2005/0047120 A1, U.S. patent number 2005/0007765 A1.

There are 40+ patents regarding attempts to illuminate purses, handbags and containers. The most applicable are referenced. Others are referenced in such patents as U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,689 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,915 which state many other past references. Despite all these attempts a functional design has yet to be produced.

DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a device for illuminating the interior of a portable receptacle, such as a purse, backpack, attaché or other luggage. (Patent class 150—Subject matter comprising a receptacle which is configured to be carried by a shoulder strap or held in the hand).

A purse is often considered an important fashion accessory. Most purses are designed to keep up with the latest trends and to conveniently and effectively carry many comfortably. A purse can be impossible to view the contents in a dark location or when multiple items exist. A conventional “purse” (handbag, makeup bag, wallet, etc.) does not have any interior lighting or easy ability to find items. Accordingly, there is a need for a purse with lighting that allows the purse's contents to be easily seen. This also is a fashion trend as this product is unique and does not exist in the marketplace.

The present invention generally relates to illumination devices specifically for use in purse (clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag) that allow the user to easily activate and illuminate its interior. The use of lights as a means for illuminating a purse is known within the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is the application of a lighting source, EL or similar, built within the bottom or side of a purse (clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag) that when illuminated helps see the contents of the bag. This application would include the method of installing the wiring and an on/off switch (either manual or magnetic on/off switch applications) for the installation in a man's or woman's purse clutch, tote, handbag, shoulder bag, makeup, or shoulder type bag.

In at least one embodiment, the lighting material is deformable substantially elastic.

In at least one embodiment, the lighting material is an EL light panel.

In at least one embodiment, the lighting wires are attached to a on/off on/off switch at the opening and wires run through the lining exiting the bottom protrusion to the lighting mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, The lighting wires are attached to a magnetic contact on/off switch at the opening and wires run through the lining exiting the bottom protrusion to the lighting mechanism.

These and other features of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of this invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A. is the on/off switch—contact on/off switch or magnetic on/off switch. Wherein the on/off switch is attached to the article near the opening or handle. An on/off switch is used to operate the on and off of the unit. B. is the electrical wiring—a protrusion extending from one end of the on/off switch through the lining out a protrusion extending through (built in) the lining to the lighting apparatus at the bottom or side. C. is the EL lighting mechanism. EL backlight has characteristics suitable for this application. It is a cool temperature, very soft but high brightness source of lighting, thin (0.2 mm˜0.5 mm) can be bended to any shape, low power consume; vibration and moisture resistant; no radiation.

EL strip light is made of 3 parts:

1. Inverter battery: AAA (1.5*4PCS=6V DC), depending on its lighting area; which may consist of at disposable power cell or rechargeable cell. 2. Inverter (also it is called programmed IC) which controls the sequences of flashing/animated program can be customized according to the design. 3. EL Strip has conducted electroluminescent materials and circuits inside. D. Battery power source, low power consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a purse according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exterior view from above of a common purse type

FIG. 3 shows another application of the design.

FIG. 4 is an exterior view from above of a common purse type

FIG. 5 is a magnetic on/off switch application for the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

-   1. battery power pack/pouch -   2. is the electrical wiring from light source to battery pack -   3. the EL lighting mechanism -   4. protective clear plastic layer or mesh lining -   5. is the on/off switch -   6. is the electrical wiring from the light source to the on/off     switch -   7. cloth lining -   8. magnetic contact on/off switch -   9. magnetic contact on/off switch

FIG. 1. shows a typical application of the invention with the light source (3) on the side and bottom of FIG. 1. The on/off switch (5) is connected through wiring (6) within the lining to a battery power pack which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell (1) through wiring (2) within the lining to light source (3). A protective clear plastic layer (4) protects the light panel from damage.

FIG. 2. shows the invention application from a typical top view. The on/off switch (5) is connected through wiring (6) within the lining of the bag to the battery power pack (1) which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell and through wiring within the lining to the light source (3).

FIG. 3. shows another application of the design. The on/off switch (5) is connected by wire (6) to a battery power pack (1) which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell and to light source (3). A protective clear plastic (4) protects the light source. A cloth lining (7) aesthetically covers the battery (1) wiring (2) & (6).

FIG. 4. is a similar embodiment where the on/off switch (5) is near the battery power pack (1) which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell and then connected to the light source (3) through wiring within the lining.

FIG. 5 shows an application of a magnetic clasp (8) and (9) which triggers the lighting element (3) through the wiring (6) in the lining of the bag; (1) is the battery power pack location which may consist of at least one disposable power cell or rechargeable cell.

It should be appreciated that the length of wiring, battery type and on/off switch type are not limited to the construction discussed above. For example, in other embodiments of the invention, the type of bag may be smaller or larger than those pictured. They may also be a different fashion style. As another variation, the EL lighting may only be on the side or only be on the bottom, or both depending on bag design.

Having disclosed the invention in detail by way of various examples and preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications of the preferred embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is accordingly intended that the invention not be limited by the above description or accompanying drawings, but that it be defined solely in accordance with the appended claims. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A purse having an interior light source comprising: a purse having an exterior surface, an interior surface, an interior liner having a first surface and a second surface, and an optional flap having an interior surface and an exterior surface; an on-off switch comprising a manual on/off switch or a two-piece magnetic on/off switch, wherein the manual on/off switch is located on the first surface of the interior liner, wherein a first piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located is located on the first surface of the interior liner and a second piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located on the first surface of the interior liner opposite the first piece and forms a magnetic contact with the first piece when the purse is closed or wherein a first piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located on the interior surface of the optional flap and a second piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located on the exterior surface of the purse and forms a magnetic contact with the first piece when the optional flap of the purse is closed; a battery power pack located between the interior surface of the purse and the second surface of interior liner; and an electroluminescent light panel located on the first surface of the interior liner, wherein the electroluminescent light panel comprises a protective covering comprising a transparent fabric covering or a transparent plastic covering; wherein the on-off switch, the battery power pack, and the light source are each electrically coupled together with one or more wires each independently located on the second surface of the interior liner or between the second surface of the interior liner and the interior surface of the purse.
 16. The purse having an interior light source of claim 15, wherein the purse comprises a clutch, a tote, a handbag, a shoulder bag, or a makeup bag. 17-18. (canceled)
 19. The purse having an interior light source of claim 15, wherein the electroluminescent light panel is located on at the bottom of the first surface of the interior liner, on a side of the first surface of the interior liner, or a combination thereof. 20-21. (canceled)
 22. The purse having an interior light source of claim 15, wherein the electroluminescent light panel comprises an inverter battery, an inverter, and one or more electroluminescent materials.
 23. The purse having an interior light source of claim 15, wherein the electroluminescent light panel is a flexible electroluminescent light panel.
 24. The purse having an interior light source of claim 15, wherein the manual on/off switch is at an interior opening of the purse.
 25. The purse having an interior light source of claim 15, wherein the interior battery power pack comprises one or more disposable batteries or one or more rechargeable batteries.
 26. A purse having an interior light source comprising: a purse having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an interior liner having a first surface and a second surface; a manual on/off switch located on the first surface of the interior liner; a battery power pack located between the interior surface of the purse and the second surface of interior liner; and an electroluminescent light panel located on the first surface of the interior liner, wherein the electroluminescent light panel comprises a protective covering comprising a transparent fabric covering or a transparent plastic covering; wherein the manual on/off switch, the battery power pack, and the light source are each electrically coupled together with one or more wires each independently located on the second surface of the interior liner or between the second surface of the interior liner and the interior surface of the purse.
 27. The purse having an interior light source of claim 26, wherein the purse comprises a clutch, a tote, a handbag, a shoulder bag, or a makeup bag.
 28. The purse having an interior light source of claim 26, wherein the electroluminescent light panel is a flexible electroluminescent light panel.
 29. The purse having an interior light source of claim 26, wherein the electroluminescent light panel comprises an inverter battery, an inverter, and one or more electroluminescent materials.
 30. A purse having an interior light source comprising: a purse having an exterior surface, an interior surface, an interior liner having a first surface and a second surface, and an optional flap having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a two-piece magnetic on/off switch, wherein a first piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located is located on the first surface of the interior liner and a second piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located on the first surface of the interior liner opposite the first piece and forms a magnetic contact with the first piece when the purse is closed or wherein a first piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located on the interior surface of the optional flap and a second piece of the two-piece magnetic on/off switch is located on the exterior surface of the purse and forms a magnetic contact with the first piece when the optional flap of the purse is closed; a battery power pack located between the interior surface of the purse and the second surface of interior liner; and an electroluminescent light panel located on the first surface of the interior liner, wherein the electroluminescent light panel comprises a protective covering comprising a transparent fabric covering or a transparent plastic covering; wherein the two-piece a magnetic on/off switch, the battery power pack, and the light source are each electrically coupled together with one or more wires each independently located on the second surface of the interior liner or between the second surface of the interior liner and the interior surface of the purse.
 31. The purse having an interior light source of claim 30, wherein the purse comprises a clutch, a tote, a handbag, a shoulder bag, or a makeup bag.
 32. The purse having an interior light source of claim 30, wherein the electroluminescent light panel is a flexible electroluminescent light panel.
 33. The purse having an interior light source of claim 30, wherein the electroluminescent light panel comprises an inverter battery, an inverter, and one or more electroluminescent materials. 